Another Temple story of interest....
Reestablished Sanhedrin Convenes to Discuss Temple
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/76624
IsraelNN.com) The recently re-established Sanhedrin - ideally, Judaism’s top legal assembly - of 71 rabbis and scholars also moved to solidify logistical aspects of the body.
The Sanhedrin heard expert testimony on the various opinions as to the exact part of the Temple Mount upon which the Holy Temple stood. The fact that there has never been an archaeological expedition or dig on the Temple Mount, coupled with continuous Muslim efforts to destroy historical evidence of the Holy Temple at the site, have made determining the exact location difficult.
Identifying the spot on which the Temple stood is a matter of controversy among scholars, and has serious ramifications for those wishing to visit the Temple Mount. It is also critical for the renewal of the Passover sacrifice, and ultimately for the building of the third and final Holy Temple. While numerous opinions have been expressed throughout the years, and while several of them were expressed at the Sanhedrin gathering this week, the two main opinions state that the Temple stood either on the spot currently occupied by the gold-topped Dome of the Rock, or just to the north of that spot. An opinion that the Temple stood south of that spot, approximately behind the present-day Western Wall, was also presented - though most scholars basically discount it.
The opinion that it is impossible to determine the site of the Temple without prophecy was also presented.
Currently, observant Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount undergo strict preparations in accordance with halakhah (Jewish law), including - but not limited to - immersion in a mikveh (ritual bath) prior to ascending the Mount. Once on the Mount, they adhere to a specific route, based upon the accepted positions of rabbinical authorities. (A map of the permitted area reflecting the most central and widely-accepted route can be viewed by clicking here).
The opinions were delivered by rabbis, professors and archaeologists, all experts in the matter of the Temple Mount. A final presentation on the matter will be given to the Sanhedrin by a subcommittee now in formation. The subcommittee will thoroughly examine the various opinions, and present its findings to the Sanhedrin, which is then to make a decision on whether the site can be determined.
The founders of the new Sanhedrin stress that they are merely fulfilling a Biblical mitzvah (obligation). “It is a special mitzvah , based on our presence in Israel, to establish a Sanhedrin,” Rabbi Meir HaLevi, one of the 71 members of the new Sanhedrin, has explained. “The Rambam [12th-century Torah scholar Maimonides] describes the process exactly in the Mishnah Torah [his seminal work codifying Jewish Law]. When he wrote it, there was no Sanhedrin, and he therefore outlines the steps necessary to establish one.”
excerpt...
There is convincing evidence that the Temple was actually built just south of the "Dome on the Rock" over the Gihon Spring.
http://www.askelm.com/temple/t970504.htm
Dr. Earnest Martin's book "The Temples that Jerusalem Forgot" is a must read for those interested in Temple history. Dr. Martin's studies conclude the temple can built freely at anytime in its original location without conflict with the "Dome on the Rock". He also presents convincing historical evidence that the "Wailing Wall" is actually part of the Roman fort Antonia that was located adjacent to the Temple.
Here's the link to the book at Amazon if interested. The Temples that Jerusalem Forgot (read the reviews).